Andrew Furuseth Special Edition

With this special edition of the West Coast Sailors, the Sailors? Union of the Pacific proudly honors the memory of Andrew Furuseth who was born 150 years ago this month.

Norwegians honor Andrew Furuseth

In brisk weather on March 12, hundreds of Norwegians gathered in Asbygda, Norway at noon, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Sailors? Union of the Pacific?s crusading leader Andrew Furuseth.

AFL-CIO endorses John Kerry for President of the United States

The American Union movement endorsed Senator John Kerry (D-MA) for president on February 19, at a meeting of the AFL-CIO General Board.

U.S. merchant marine again responds as armed forces rotate troops and equipment in Iraq

U.S.-flag ships crewed by U.S. citizen
merchant mariners have embarked on a new round of sailings to support the rotation of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and the postwar rebuilding of that nation, according to the U.S. Navy?s Military Sealift Command, which is headed by Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN.

Coast Guard Commandant urges elimination of substandard ships

Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has called for the elimination of substandard ships on the world?s sea lanes.

House and Senate pass new maritime security fleet bill

Landmark legislation passed both houses of Congress this month which will be the successor to the Maritime Security Program (MSP).

Sailors and Firemen urge Congress to kill Jones Act repeal legislation

In the wake of the introduction of three bills in the House of Representatives by Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) that would repeal the Jones Act, the SUP and the MFOW fired off a letter to Don Young (R-AK), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, urging that the proposed legislation be ?filed and flushed.?

NO on the Recall?Yes on Bustamante

At a Special Convention of the California Labor Federation in Manhattan Beach on August 26, 539 delegates representing two million organized workers, voted unanimously to reaffirm labor?s position for a strong NO vote on the recall of Governor Gray Davis, slated for October 7.

Legislation to nullify the Jones Act introduced by Hawai?i Congressman

Representative Ed Case (D-HI) introduced three bills in the House of Representatives that would gut the Jones Act provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the cornerstone of U.S. cabotage and maritime policy.

Maritime Security Program passes Senate committee

Legislation that provides for a new Maritime Security Program (MSP) to replace the current program when it expires on September 30, 2005, was unanimously approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on June 26.